Hi Christy,
Hope all is good with you.
Just to remember its the 20th Anniversary of the passing of the great Rory Gallagher this weekend…..a legend.
” now Rory’s gone to play the Blues in heaven………..,
Ride on
Patsy
Christy a chara,
Bhain muid an sult as an ceol agus craic anocht i nDún Geannain.
I have seen you a number of times over the years but never have I enjoyed a concert as much as I did tonight. You had the crowd eating out of your hand from whenever the ball was thrown in!
I brought my wife with me tonight, it was her first time seeing you live and she was enthralled from start to finish.
I was hoping all night that you would play Spancil Hill and you did so in style. The accompaniment was mighty throughout.
I enjoyed hearing John Spillane’s ‘Patrick Murphy’. I’ve been listening non-stop to his album ‘The Man Who Came In From The Dark’. He has the knack for writing.
Any word of recording with the MOC band? I hope to see you again soon.
Ádh mór ort, Joe Mór
Christy's reply
Morra Joe…Spancilhill came out of the blue last night as did Hull,Halifax and Hell…I love it when songs present themselves like that…..I hope to record with The Trad Outfit but I have another album to complete before embarking on that voyage….we had a good time ourselves last night in Dungannon …delighted to read that “Herself” enjoyed the gig…we had a good few newcomers last night…always a good sign
Morning there Christy from a sunny Oldham for a change.
back to work after a great week in Nerja. Must tell you of a couple of things from the holiday. Found a small tapas bar which is locally referred to as the Commie bar but that’s not it’s real name. Anyway it’s dedicated to the 15th Brigade with loads of old photos and the like against the wall. Thanks to your music I had some smidgen of an idea what it was all about. Secondly, on our last night we were strolling past a bar where I could hear some singing. Popped in and sat and listened to some old English folk tunes. I didn’t need a second invite when the compare asked if anyone who fancied a song wanted to get up. Gave them Ride On and then Carrickfergus. When I finished this lady was telling me all about your gig in Cambridge. The we sat down with her and her husband and another couple they were on holiday with. Only turns out all four are from Stillorgan and the two fellows drink in my cousin Ray’s pub ‘Byrne’s of Galloping Green’. What a small world. Best wishes to you and your family
Frankie
Christy's reply
Oldham-Nerja- Carrickfergus-Cambridge and back to Stillorgan ….good man Frankie……just back in the door from Enniskillen and Dungannon myself…its always good to get home
thanks for sharing this wonderful Johnny Spillane creation….it lit up my night….memories of similar nights in the Taverns of The World…its great to have done it,to have witnessed it ,to have survived it….greetings to you Colm and Róisin from the shores of Lough Erne, “Fare Thee Well Enniskillen”…Thanks for a great night
Hi All, Off to see young Declan Sinnott play at the lovely Angel Hotel, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire on Saturday night. Come along if you can, it will be magic!
Christy's reply
Tell Declan and Vickie that I look forward to playing with them in Glastonbury in two weeks time….
Was over in Belfast for your gig in he Waterfront last Saturday. What a wonderful performance you gave us absolutely loved it. Lads in the band were all excellent. Thank you so much for being a huge part of a Belfast weekend.
Christy's reply
welcome melboy…enjoyed it mysel..met up with some auld pals..always a great atmosphere between the Black Mountain and the Bog Meadow…memories reverberate of those gone on,they mingle with the joy felt as the City has settled back down…people happy to regain their streets, to walk freely about their business …..and then a Tricolour over Stormont for 10 long minutes…some viewed that as an act of sedition, others as a bit of crack…
“O who was it ran the Tricolour up The Stormont Pole”
Been thinking of Morecambe Bay these last few weeks with all the sad tales of the emigrant ships and the difficulties they face. Brings City of Chicago and Back home in Derry to mind too. Sad that people still face such struggles to make a life in these so called times of freedom.
Christy's reply
sure thing John…me too… Duffy’s Cut, Spancilhill, Pity the Poor Emigrant, the list of heartbreak is endless…… but theres another side to the story too….I think of those who sailed away to find better lives(myself included)…Luka re-invented himself out foreign….them Gallagher boys found their Oasis far away from Mayo, McGowan met Jem Finer, Flatley found his dancin shoes, Christie Hennessy uncovered his Muse, Johnny Lydon learned to churn, I stumbled into a Folk Club and heard Annie Briggs……the Nixons,Kennedys,Reagans,Clintons ….even the feckin Obamas, without whom there would be no shining Plaza outside Moneygall, no Lounge in Ballyporeen,….lets remember Chuck Feeney too and all the other exiled philantropist Sons and Daughters who never neglected their roots (no pun intended)…. all our Roses blossoming from Dubai to Texas, ……… dont mind me John, its a bit of a sleepless one here…tootling on the Mac keeps my mind off the drink cabinet….or does it !
I recently played at a tribute night to Dermot Healy in The O’Reilly Theatre in Dublin. I played music to a variety of dramatised pieces of dermot’s work as well as having the pleasure of playing on stage with the best musicians and writers the country has to offer.
Right now I’m putting together a couple of spoken word / music pieces drawing from his work and work he inspired. I’d love to send a piece on to you for feedback if possible. I’m a cousin of dermot’s, he mentioned you many times down through the years.
Heading to Enniskillen this Thurs, looking forward to seeing the gig.
Daragh
Christy's reply
sounds good Daragh….Dermot and I had some good times together way back in early Planxty Days….he was always “at the writing” back then
Finally getting a bit of steam to power the old laptop for a minute or two, so a chance to thank you for two great gigs in the Waterfront. Great to escape to that world of magic and music – you have a special gift, and Mairtin, Cathal, Seamie and Jimmy added to that. Loved the Patrick Murphy song and The Time Has Come took me back 34 years – is it really that long?? Wonderful sounds and a nice respectful audience for the songs and craic. As for who put the Tricolour up the pole…… you might find the answer at the Killyhevlin gig 🙂 Keep well and look forward to continuing the journey around the walls.
Christy's reply
it was fun to climb that greasy pole, if only for 3 minutes…..
Hi Christy we are heading to Enniskillen on Thursday and really looking forward to your concert. Cathal Kinney my partner has just celebrated his 60th Birthday and loves to sing and play guitar to Ride On _ would you dedicate it to him from me Brenda
Thanks a mill – love your music
Brenda
Christy's reply
” They took him to Lisburn and lodged him in Jail
and his Father and mother when passing that way
heard the very last words that their poor son did say” ( from George Cambell)
……….Ride On Brenda
Hi All,,, they were Magic Nights in the Waterfront,,,, with some really sublime moments,,, pathos and humour, jigs and reels, bodhrans and banjos,,, Back Home in Derry followed by The Time Has Come last night were real highpoints… you seemed to go into a Zone,,,, at times,,,, Shine On,,,, H
Christy's reply
“Mc’Ilhatton Ye Blurt we need you
cry a million shaking men
where are your sacks of barley
will your likes be seen again”…..I’m still half way between Pomeroy and Inagh Valley
Evening Christy, haven’t posted for a while. Just watching a wee programme on BBC2 NI now called Folk Aduaidh about the history of folk music in Ulster, interesting 3 part series if you get a chance to see. Was at the Waterfront last night, brilliant as usual and a nice atmosphere. We took my father who is 77 and not well but he always makes a point of going to see you when you come to Belfast and it was great to see the enjoyment of that few hours in his face. He’s an old seadog, 20 years on the ocean wave and The Voyage just melts him. It’s sad to see the people around us getting older and weaker, especially when they were so strong and vibrant, but that’s life and you can’t fight it. Just booked tickets to see you in Glasgow in October at the Royal Concert Hall. Me and the mates were busting to go to the Barrowland on the Friday but we realised that even in our 40’s we are not up to it anymore and so it had to be the soft seats of the Concert Hall on the Thursday. I think my da is ageing better than us Ha Ha! Good Luck!
Christy's reply
greetings to your Father …tell him that we appreciate our long haul listeners….in your 40’s and feeling too old for Barrowland ???….. I always feel 10 years younger leavin it…watched that Folk Aduaidh last night…great to see Geoff Harden remembered…I have been fortunate to recieve a few awards over the years..the award I cherish most is the one Geoff presented me in 1984 when “Ride On” was given Ulster Folk Album of the year, two songs on that album were written by Bobby Sands while he was on the Blanket protest, surely a notable omission from Folk Aduaidh……..great too to see Geordie Hanna, Joe Holmes, Len Graham,Paddy Tunney and many more remembered….the Ulster Song Tradition is loved and appreciated throughout the land…lovely too to see early “Boys of The Lough” who were indeed a great Band…….(in their clip,Dick Gaughan was wrongly described as Mike Whellans, both wonderful ,but very different, guitar players)..I look forward to Episode 3…well done BBC N.I ( apart from ignoring Bobby Sands)
thx for the reply Christy. Maeve is the current2015 Chicago rose and will be a hopeful contestant down in the dome in August in Tralee. I am the proud Papa. Looking forward to tonight. We are sure you will be in rare form.
Hiya Christy! Looking forward to the concert tonight. Could I make a request for tonight – Smoke and Strong Whiskey. Or my girlfriend would love to hear – Missing You.
Dia duit a Christy! very funny comments to the guy from Lurgan…You mentioned James Galway and Metallica…well last night while you were raising the roof of the Waterfront (a long way from the PD) the maestro flautist was playing in the Crumlin Road Gaol! I wonder did he play open those gates! Mary
Christy's reply
I heard his interview on Nolan…I loved the way James Galway talked about his gift… about his family and background…I felt that Nolan led him up the Garden Path on the Paisley route…
Hi All… It seems that Maeve Mc Sweeney from Chicago is first generation Irish,, I hope she is enjoying her trip,,,,http://marquettewire.org/2015/03/31/tribune/marquee/maeve-mcsweeney-wins-prestigious-rose-of-tralee-title/ …Sorry to say Christy the closing date for escorts for 2015 is now passed,,,maybe next year ?? “She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer,
Yet ’twas not her beauty alone that won me.
Oh no, ’twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee “.( William Pembroke Mulchinock )
Christy's reply
by any chance was Billy one of the Knocknagoshel Mulchinocks? If so, he may be related to a sister-in-law of a third cousin of my Godmother whose great Grandmother was the Jacinta Mulchinock…a renowned feminist in her day Jacinta was reputed to have been the first woman to introduce Garlic into Kerry Cuisine…this did not go down too well with local clergy who had her barred from the Lixnaw chapter of the North Kerry ICA … broken hearted,Jacinta moved to France where her culinary skills were greatly appreciated…she married a local chef called Jacoub de Geebo,……the rest, as they say, is history…….I must leave it there for now..
Good Morning Christy,
Hope your start of the next round with MOC-Band went well. Was thinking of your last year’s great concerts at the Waterfront and it seems it was just some weeks ago … The beautiful music you created together at your energetic Spanish Point Gig is still in my mind.
Good Luck and Best Wishes to you and the Boys! Traudel
Christy's reply
Morra Traudel…all good here upon The Lough…we had a fine gathering last night..the band were firing on all cylinders…we had a group in from Germany last night…over specially for both gigs in Belfast and having a week-end in this renewed City….
Hey Christy,
Looking forward to Tomorrow night’s gig. Fair warning…. The Chicago Rose of Tralee, Maeve McSweeney, will be in the audience. She grew up listening to your music and is very excited to see you live for the first time.
Christy's reply
no pressure like…I was upstairs in a tent once with the Boston Rose way back in 1984…my son got the face kissed off him as a bunch of Roses queued up to land Goosers on his blushing cheeks…then Brenda Hyland pulled me for havin no light on my bike outside Leinster House … when I flashed me torch in under her cap did’nt I see twas a Rose that was liftin me..I got a song out of that..it filled out about 12 minutes of the King Puck album 20 years back…Me and The Rose…..Is Maeve McSweeney the current Rose or a hopeful contestant?…what is the protocol for the photocall?…are you related or just good friends?…are you,by any chance, an escort ? I often wondered about that job..do you have to display your credentials ? do you have a chat with the parish priest ?….I played once at The Gay Bachelor Festival in Ballybunion but the cheque bounced afterwards, bounced all the way to The Senate …you cant bate the Kingdom crowd for getting the tourists in…its the real The Vale of Honey down there, once you get to Lyracrompane… Jimmy Deenihan there waiting to give welcome and the poor man weighed down with All-Ireland Medals…anyways Tim, thanks for letting us know…I hope Maeve has a good night tonight and that you look after her…”The Pale Moon was Rising above The Black Mountain,The Sun was declining beneath the Blue Sea,when I strayed with my love by the pure crystal fountain,that stands in the beautiful Vale of Tralee” ( bob dylan)
Hi Christy,
Hope all is good with you.
Just to remember its the 20th Anniversary of the passing of the great Rory Gallagher this weekend…..a legend.
” now Rory’s gone to play the Blues in heaven………..,
Ride on
Patsy
I think of Rory often
Christy a chara,
Bhain muid an sult as an ceol agus craic anocht i nDún Geannain.
I have seen you a number of times over the years but never have I enjoyed a concert as much as I did tonight. You had the crowd eating out of your hand from whenever the ball was thrown in!
I brought my wife with me tonight, it was her first time seeing you live and she was enthralled from start to finish.
I was hoping all night that you would play Spancil Hill and you did so in style. The accompaniment was mighty throughout.
I enjoyed hearing John Spillane’s ‘Patrick Murphy’. I’ve been listening non-stop to his album ‘The Man Who Came In From The Dark’. He has the knack for writing.
Any word of recording with the MOC band? I hope to see you again soon.
Ádh mór ort, Joe Mór
Morra Joe…Spancilhill came out of the blue last night as did Hull,Halifax and Hell…I love it when songs present themselves like that…..I hope to record with The Trad Outfit but I have another album to complete before embarking on that voyage….we had a good time ourselves last night in Dungannon …delighted to read that “Herself” enjoyed the gig…we had a good few newcomers last night…always a good sign
Morning there Christy from a sunny Oldham for a change.
back to work after a great week in Nerja. Must tell you of a couple of things from the holiday. Found a small tapas bar which is locally referred to as the Commie bar but that’s not it’s real name. Anyway it’s dedicated to the 15th Brigade with loads of old photos and the like against the wall. Thanks to your music I had some smidgen of an idea what it was all about. Secondly, on our last night we were strolling past a bar where I could hear some singing. Popped in and sat and listened to some old English folk tunes. I didn’t need a second invite when the compare asked if anyone who fancied a song wanted to get up. Gave them Ride On and then Carrickfergus. When I finished this lady was telling me all about your gig in Cambridge. The we sat down with her and her husband and another couple they were on holiday with. Only turns out all four are from Stillorgan and the two fellows drink in my cousin Ray’s pub ‘Byrne’s of Galloping Green’. What a small world. Best wishes to you and your family
Frankie
Oldham-Nerja- Carrickfergus-Cambridge and back to Stillorgan ….good man Frankie……just back in the door from Enniskillen and Dungannon myself…its always good to get home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5ZzfrH7KhU
what ever you are havin you’re self a mhac!
CS (10)
thanks for sharing this wonderful Johnny Spillane creation….it lit up my night….memories of similar nights in the Taverns of The World…its great to have done it,to have witnessed it ,to have survived it….greetings to you Colm and Róisin from the shores of Lough Erne, “Fare Thee Well Enniskillen”…Thanks for a great night
Hi All, Off to see young Declan Sinnott play at the lovely Angel Hotel, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire on Saturday night. Come along if you can, it will be magic!
Tell Declan and Vickie that I look forward to playing with them in Glastonbury in two weeks time….
Was over in Belfast for your gig in he Waterfront last Saturday. What a wonderful performance you gave us absolutely loved it. Lads in the band were all excellent. Thank you so much for being a huge part of a Belfast weekend.
welcome melboy…enjoyed it mysel..met up with some auld pals..always a great atmosphere between the Black Mountain and the Bog Meadow…memories reverberate of those gone on,they mingle with the joy felt as the City has settled back down…people happy to regain their streets, to walk freely about their business …..and then a Tricolour over Stormont for 10 long minutes…some viewed that as an act of sedition, others as a bit of crack…
“O who was it ran the Tricolour up The Stormont Pole”
Been thinking of Morecambe Bay these last few weeks with all the sad tales of the emigrant ships and the difficulties they face. Brings City of Chicago and Back home in Derry to mind too. Sad that people still face such struggles to make a life in these so called times of freedom.
sure thing John…me too… Duffy’s Cut, Spancilhill, Pity the Poor Emigrant, the list of heartbreak is endless…… but theres another side to the story too….I think of those who sailed away to find better lives(myself included)…Luka re-invented himself out foreign….them Gallagher boys found their Oasis far away from Mayo, McGowan met Jem Finer, Flatley found his dancin shoes, Christie Hennessy uncovered his Muse, Johnny Lydon learned to churn, I stumbled into a Folk Club and heard Annie Briggs……the Nixons,Kennedys,Reagans,Clintons ….even the feckin Obamas, without whom there would be no shining Plaza outside Moneygall, no Lounge in Ballyporeen,….lets remember Chuck Feeney too and all the other exiled philantropist Sons and Daughters who never neglected their roots (no pun intended)…. all our Roses blossoming from Dubai to Texas, ……… dont mind me John, its a bit of a sleepless one here…tootling on the Mac keeps my mind off the drink cabinet….or does it !
Hi Christy,
I recently played at a tribute night to Dermot Healy in The O’Reilly Theatre in Dublin. I played music to a variety of dramatised pieces of dermot’s work as well as having the pleasure of playing on stage with the best musicians and writers the country has to offer.
Right now I’m putting together a couple of spoken word / music pieces drawing from his work and work he inspired. I’d love to send a piece on to you for feedback if possible. I’m a cousin of dermot’s, he mentioned you many times down through the years.
Heading to Enniskillen this Thurs, looking forward to seeing the gig.
Daragh
sounds good Daragh….Dermot and I had some good times together way back in early Planxty Days….he was always “at the writing” back then
Finally getting a bit of steam to power the old laptop for a minute or two, so a chance to thank you for two great gigs in the Waterfront. Great to escape to that world of magic and music – you have a special gift, and Mairtin, Cathal, Seamie and Jimmy added to that. Loved the Patrick Murphy song and The Time Has Come took me back 34 years – is it really that long?? Wonderful sounds and a nice respectful audience for the songs and craic. As for who put the Tricolour up the pole…… you might find the answer at the Killyhevlin gig 🙂 Keep well and look forward to continuing the journey around the walls.
it was fun to climb that greasy pole, if only for 3 minutes…..
Hi Christy we are heading to Enniskillen on Thursday and really looking forward to your concert. Cathal Kinney my partner has just celebrated his 60th Birthday and loves to sing and play guitar to Ride On _ would you dedicate it to him from me Brenda
Thanks a mill – love your music
Brenda
” They took him to Lisburn and lodged him in Jail
and his Father and mother when passing that way
heard the very last words that their poor son did say” ( from George Cambell)
……….Ride On Brenda
Hi All,,, they were Magic Nights in the Waterfront,,,, with some really sublime moments,,, pathos and humour, jigs and reels, bodhrans and banjos,,, Back Home in Derry followed by The Time Has Come last night were real highpoints… you seemed to go into a Zone,,,, at times,,,, Shine On,,,, H
“Mc’Ilhatton Ye Blurt we need you
cry a million shaking men
where are your sacks of barley
will your likes be seen again”…..I’m still half way between Pomeroy and Inagh Valley
Evening Christy, haven’t posted for a while. Just watching a wee programme on BBC2 NI now called Folk Aduaidh about the history of folk music in Ulster, interesting 3 part series if you get a chance to see. Was at the Waterfront last night, brilliant as usual and a nice atmosphere. We took my father who is 77 and not well but he always makes a point of going to see you when you come to Belfast and it was great to see the enjoyment of that few hours in his face. He’s an old seadog, 20 years on the ocean wave and The Voyage just melts him. It’s sad to see the people around us getting older and weaker, especially when they were so strong and vibrant, but that’s life and you can’t fight it. Just booked tickets to see you in Glasgow in October at the Royal Concert Hall. Me and the mates were busting to go to the Barrowland on the Friday but we realised that even in our 40’s we are not up to it anymore and so it had to be the soft seats of the Concert Hall on the Thursday. I think my da is ageing better than us Ha Ha! Good Luck!
greetings to your Father …tell him that we appreciate our long haul listeners….in your 40’s and feeling too old for Barrowland ???….. I always feel 10 years younger leavin it…watched that Folk Aduaidh last night…great to see Geoff Harden remembered…I have been fortunate to recieve a few awards over the years..the award I cherish most is the one Geoff presented me in 1984 when “Ride On” was given Ulster Folk Album of the year, two songs on that album were written by Bobby Sands while he was on the Blanket protest, surely a notable omission from Folk Aduaidh……..great too to see Geordie Hanna, Joe Holmes, Len Graham,Paddy Tunney and many more remembered….the Ulster Song Tradition is loved and appreciated throughout the land…lovely too to see early “Boys of The Lough” who were indeed a great Band…….(in their clip,Dick Gaughan was wrongly described as Mike Whellans, both wonderful ,but very different, guitar players)..I look forward to Episode 3…well done BBC N.I ( apart from ignoring Bobby Sands)
A great couple of nights in The Waterfront, brilliant sound coming from the stage…loved every minute..thank you all…
also, the wizard that is Wally Page plays The Annesley House this Friday, 12th June at 9.30pm… 70, North Strand Rd…he’s flyin into mystery !!…..
you could ate your fry off the back of his neck
Absolute brilliant night at the Waterfront last night. I must admit, ‘Joxer Goes to Stuttgart’ was some craic last last.
Cheers for a great next, see ya next time in Belfast.
face the puck out
thx for the reply Christy. Maeve is the current2015 Chicago rose and will be a hopeful contestant down in the dome in August in Tralee. I am the proud Papa. Looking forward to tonight. We are sure you will be in rare form.
Good Luck Maeve…dont take it too seriously
Hiya Christy! Looking forward to the concert tonight. Could I make a request for tonight – Smoke and Strong Whiskey. Or my girlfriend would love to hear – Missing You.
Dia duit a Christy! very funny comments to the guy from Lurgan…You mentioned James Galway and Metallica…well last night while you were raising the roof of the Waterfront (a long way from the PD) the maestro flautist was playing in the Crumlin Road Gaol! I wonder did he play open those gates! Mary
I heard his interview on Nolan…I loved the way James Galway talked about his gift… about his family and background…I felt that Nolan led him up the Garden Path on the Paisley route…
Hi All… It seems that Maeve Mc Sweeney from Chicago is first generation Irish,, I hope she is enjoying her trip,,,,http://marquettewire.org/2015/03/31/tribune/marquee/maeve-mcsweeney-wins-prestigious-rose-of-tralee-title/ …Sorry to say Christy the closing date for escorts for 2015 is now passed,,,maybe next year ?? “She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer,
Yet ’twas not her beauty alone that won me.
Oh no, ’twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee “.( William Pembroke Mulchinock )
by any chance was Billy one of the Knocknagoshel Mulchinocks? If so, he may be related to a sister-in-law of a third cousin of my Godmother whose great Grandmother was the Jacinta Mulchinock…a renowned feminist in her day Jacinta was reputed to have been the first woman to introduce Garlic into Kerry Cuisine…this did not go down too well with local clergy who had her barred from the Lixnaw chapter of the North Kerry ICA … broken hearted,Jacinta moved to France where her culinary skills were greatly appreciated…she married a local chef called Jacoub de Geebo,……the rest, as they say, is history…….I must leave it there for now..
Good Morning Christy,
Hope your start of the next round with MOC-Band went well. Was thinking of your last year’s great concerts at the Waterfront and it seems it was just some weeks ago … The beautiful music you created together at your energetic Spanish Point Gig is still in my mind.
Good Luck and Best Wishes to you and the Boys! Traudel
Morra Traudel…all good here upon The Lough…we had a fine gathering last night..the band were firing on all cylinders…we had a group in from Germany last night…over specially for both gigs in Belfast and having a week-end in this renewed City….
Hey Christy,
Looking forward to Tomorrow night’s gig. Fair warning…. The Chicago Rose of Tralee, Maeve McSweeney, will be in the audience. She grew up listening to your music and is very excited to see you live for the first time.
no pressure like…I was upstairs in a tent once with the Boston Rose way back in 1984…my son got the face kissed off him as a bunch of Roses queued up to land Goosers on his blushing cheeks…then Brenda Hyland pulled me for havin no light on my bike outside Leinster House … when I flashed me torch in under her cap did’nt I see twas a Rose that was liftin me..I got a song out of that..it filled out about 12 minutes of the King Puck album 20 years back…Me and The Rose…..Is Maeve McSweeney the current Rose or a hopeful contestant?…what is the protocol for the photocall?…are you related or just good friends?…are you,by any chance, an escort ? I often wondered about that job..do you have to display your credentials ? do you have a chat with the parish priest ?….I played once at The Gay Bachelor Festival in Ballybunion but the cheque bounced afterwards, bounced all the way to The Senate …you cant bate the Kingdom crowd for getting the tourists in…its the real The Vale of Honey down there, once you get to Lyracrompane… Jimmy Deenihan there waiting to give welcome and the poor man weighed down with All-Ireland Medals…anyways Tim, thanks for letting us know…I hope Maeve has a good night tonight and that you look after her…”The Pale Moon was Rising above The Black Mountain,The Sun was declining beneath the Blue Sea,when I strayed with my love by the pure crystal fountain,that stands in the beautiful Vale of Tralee” ( bob dylan)